a bleeding purple utah jazz blog

Matty

1. NBA PLAYERS I WOULDN’T FIGHT, EVEN IF I HAD A GUN: Matt Harpring: You might scratch your head at this one, but if Harpring is half as intense in a street fight as he is on the NBA court, he is just too dangerous to risk a fight with, even with a gun. You can just see the other players body language darken when this guy comes in the game. Imagine if he brings his full on-court intensity. You may never have children again.

2. Things to look for this season: Matt Harpring: Harpring is a physical three who rebounds well for his position and doesn’t back down from anyone. In recent seasons he’s been a thorn in the side of everyone from Carmelo Anthony to Ron Artest. Guys like Korver, Miles and Almond are just not going to be able to make Ron Artest get ejected or take ‘Melo out of his game. He’s useful in specific situations, especially because we do not have anyone who can replace what he gives on the ‘toughness’ angle just yet.

4. PUNCH HAPPY: Sloan said the coaching staff has adhered to the team’s medical staff about limitations (including limited playing time) Harpring has had over the years while he deals with health issues, including knee injuries.

“That doesn’t make Matt happy, and he gets upset with us. I want to punch him in the nose when he acts that way,” Sloan said with a grin. “No, I know better. He’s bigger than I am.”

All of the above is why I like Matty on the team. While his skills and physical ability may be diminishing and injuries have taken their toll on his body, you never, ever have to question his heart and effort. You know he’s going to give 100%, 100% of the time (unlike some of his teammates. Hello, Carlos). I especially like having him on the team when we’re playing guys that are easily taken out of their game (Hello, Ron Ron, Tracy, and Carmelo). Lastly, Matty is the one guy on the team that you know will have his teammates’ back in an altercation.

Essentially, I agree with everything that All That Jazz has to say.

Williams, who is wearing a walking boot, said the ankle remains swollen and discolored, and his foot is swollen as well.